Cebu City, Philippines — September 29, 2025 — Marco Polo Plaza Cebu reaffirmed its reputation as a landmark of culinary excellence after earning multiple awards at the prestigious Cebu Goes Culinary 2025: BALIK ISLA – Foraging the Philippine Countryside, held last September 26–27 at SM Seaside City Cebu.
Organized by the Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI), Cebu Goes Culinary is the premier biennial culinary competition in the Visayas, gathering professional chefs, culinary students, mixologists, and hospitality practitioners from across the region to showcase their creativity and mastery of both traditional and contemporary cuisine. This year’s edition, themed “BALIK ISLA – Foraging the Philippine Countryside,” placed the spotlight on rediscovering indigenous ingredients, regional traditions, and local cooking methods while celebrating innovation in culinary arts. With its reputation as a benchmark of excellence, Cebu Goes Culinary stands as one of the most anticipated competitions in the Philippine food and hospitality industry.
Against this backdrop, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu emerged as a strong contender, bringing home Silver, Bronze, and Diploma recognitions across diverse categories. These accolades highlight both the talent of the hotel’s culinary team and its dedication to elevating Cebuano and Filipino flavors within a world-class hospitality experience.
SILVER
Best Regional Ingredient – Bagoong Isda
Michael I. Isidto and Dante C. Largo
BRONZE
Klasika Moderna Kulinarya – Sutukil
Jan Jacob O. Monungolh, Stephen S. Bitcherand Virgilio C. Zosa
Best Traditional Recipe – Puso (Cebu)
Vince Clark Borces and Anastacio B. Medello
Kakanin – Puto Maya
Grace Ann Burgos and Yhasmin Paraz
DIPLOMA
Best Regional Ingredient – Coconut Vinegar
Michel F. Maike and Junzie C. Concilles
Cocktail Mixing
Robert E. Abadiano
Coffee Concoction
Lester R. Delgado
PARTICIPANTS
Regional Pica-Pica – Pungko Pungko
Sophie Faith I. Perez and Virgil Matthias T. Cinchez
Mocktail Mixing
Kent Willian P. Alcala
These achievements underscore Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s ongoing commitment to culinary excellence, innovation, and the preservation of local heritage. By excelling at Cebu Goes Culinary 2025, the hotel strengthens its position as a leading culinary destination, bringing together the richness of Filipino traditions with the sophistication of world-class hospitality.
About Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
Perched atop Cebu’s prestigious Nivel Hills, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu is a luxury urban resort offering panoramic views of the city, mountains, and sea. Known for its blend of world-class service and warm Cebuano hospitality, the hotel features 328 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, award-winning dining outlets, and state-of-the-art event facilities. Marco Polo Plaza Cebu remains a landmark of elevated stays, celebrated cuisine, and meaningful experiences in the heart of the Queen City of the South.
About Marco Polo Hotels
Marco Polo Hotels’ premium hotels in Hong Kong SAR, Mainland China and the Philippines reflect the adventurous ethos of their namesake – Marco Polo. Located in key destinations, each property is active in their community, committed to sustainability, and a central hub for gatherings and meaningful local experiences. The brand is part of Wharf Hotels’ portfolio and a member of Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. Visit marcopolohotels.com, Instagram or LinkedIn.
About GHA and GHA DISCOVERY
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands with 45 brands and 850 properties in 100 countries. Its award-winning loyalty programme—GHA DISCOVERY—provides 32 million members recognition, D$ rewards and exclusive experiences across its hotels and partners, both with and without a stay. GHA DISCOVERY generated US$2.7 billion in revenue and 11 million room nights in 2024. Through GHA membership, brands significantly expand their global reach, generating incremental revenue and reducing dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining management independence and individual positioning.
For more information, visit globalhotelalliance.com or ghadiscovery.com.
